The Renovation Diaries are a collaboration with our community in which we feature your step by step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here.

After a break last week, we're back on track. Just a few more finishes and we’re ready to rock the DIY projects and decor.

(Image credit: Mike and Sandie)

(Image credit: Mike and Sandie)

After much consideration the wall-treatment dilemma has been resolved! The wallpaper we had set our sights on wasn’t accessible to our budget. We did find some beautiful stencils and fabrics that would have added the element of a fun pattern, but ultimately they weren't the wallpaper we wanted, and we’re not interested in settling. So we decided to wait/save our pennies to get the exact lusciously patern-y texture we want down the road. No complaints about having stylish digs in the meantime.

(Image credit: Mike and Sandie)

In light of all these things, we opted to paint. A neutral dove-grey suits the integrity of the home (although we did try samplings of Razzle-Dazzle, and a gorgeous robin’s egg blue, but neither were commitment material). Going neutral isn’t just “safe”... the palette has inspired all remaining decor to fall in-line. The “safety” of a neutral opened up other freedoms to express ourselves (rather than being all-over bold with wall color) that we are finding extremely satisfying.

(Image credit: Mike and Sandie)

The two-tone look with the wainscoting & the wall treatment is fun (reminds use of our ’78 Westy), waltzes well with the marble and dark wood flooring, and delivers a serious personality note: classsssssssy. We are in the process of sullying it with our un-classy personality as we muss about with the decor... bwa-ha-ha.

(Image credit: Mike and Sandie)

Estimated time for project: 10 weeksTime remaining: 1 week

Check out the full series (so far) and be sure to join us tomorrow for installment #12 of Mike and Sandie's Foyer Renovation.